The state’s unemployment is at 6.9%, which is down from March’s 7.2%. It is also lower that the April 2012 rate, which was 7.4%.

“The labor force increased, meaning more people are regaining confidence in the job market…Also, the number of people employed increased, meaning more people have jobs, and the number of people who are unemployed decreased. I am encouraged to see these improvements, and I will continue my efforts to recruit more jobs until everyone who needs a job is able to find one.” –Governor Robert Bentley

The industries that saw the most job growth were leisure and hospitality, construction, and professional and business services, among others.

Two area counties were listed as having the lowest unemployment rates, Shelby County and Blount County.